Definition & Meaning of "ammonia test"

What is an "ammonia test"?

An ammonia test measures the level of ammonia in the blood. Ammonia is a waste product that is normally processed by the liver and removed from the body. This test helps evaluate liver function and diagnose conditions that affect the liver or cause a buildup of ammonia, such as liver disease or certain metabolic disorders. High levels of ammonia can be a sign of problems with the liver's ability to clear it from the blood, and this test is often used to evaluate the cause of symptoms like confusion or exhaustion.